The Experience and Expression of Uncertainty in Close Relationships
The Experience and Expression of Uncertainty in Close Relationships
Close relationships are an important and desired aspect of the human experience; however, as individuals pursue intimacy and connection with others, they will encounter a variety of questions about the nature, status, and future of their relationships. Consequently, uncertainty is an inevitable and unavoidable element of close relationships. It can arise in response to a variety of relational circumstances and can shape the ways that partners think, feel, and act toward one another. This book summarizes the expansive body of theoretical and empirical research regarding the nature of uncertainty, the conditions that promote uncertainty about relational involvement, and the emotional, cognitive, and communicative outcomes of uncertainty for individuals and their relationships. Based on the robust accumulation of data about uncertainty in close relationships, the book also offers recommendations for coping with ambiguous relational circumstances and proposes new directions for conceptualizing and studying uncertainty in close relationships.
- Brings together competing theoretical perspectives on uncertainty, while also offering practical recommendations
- Neatly summarizes the vast empirical literature on the subject
- Proposes new directions for the theory and research on uncertainty in close relationships
Reviews & endorsements
'The scholarly tradition on uncertainty within interpersonal relationships is broad, complex, and interdisciplinary. Theiss does a superb job of weaving together the theoretical and empirical approaches characterizing the literature. The book is chock-full of careful description, key insights, and comprehensive synthesis. It is a must-read for researchers, practitioners, and students seeking to learn more about the interplay among cognition and communication.' Leanne Knobloch, University of Illinois
'This book is the perfect solution for scholars and students searching for a well-written, engaging, and comprehensive examination of uncertainty as a fundamental and pervasive part of personal relationships. Dr Theiss is an eloquent writer who masterfully weaves together the various threads of the uncertainty experience - from the conditions that promote uncertainty to the effects uncertainty has on communication, cognitions, and emotions. Theiss also provides an insightful analysis of the many of the issues that scholars have grappled with related to the uncertainty - from theoretical issues to operationalization concerns. I'm thrilled that such a book exists and can't wait to assign it in my classes!' Rachel McLaren, University of Iowa
Product details
September 2019Paperback
9781107571969
224 pages
150 × 230 × 10 mm
0.35kg
1 b/w illus. 2 tables
Available
Table of Contents
- Part I. Conceptual and Theoretical Foundations of Uncertainty in Close Relationships:
- 1. Defining uncertainty as a relational construct
- 2. Theoretical perspectives on uncertainty
- Part II. Antecedents and Consequences of Uncertainty in Close Relationships:
- 3. Conditions ripe for uncertainty
- 4. The effects of uncertainty in close relationships
- Part III. Communicating and Coping Under Conditions of Uncertainty in Close Relationships:
- 5. Uncertainty and communication in close relationships
- 6. Coping with uncertainty in close relationships
- Part IV. Refining the Conceptualization and Operationalization of Uncertainty in Close Relationships:
- 7. Measuring relational uncertainty in empirical research
- 8. Exploring new orientations toward uncertainty in close relationships.
